California will see the implementation of several new laws in 2018 affecting its citizens across various areas. Some of the key ones are:
Increase of Minimum Wage
- The minimum wage in the California will increase from January 1 onwards. There will be an increase of $1 per hour for companies with 26 employees or more making it $11. For businesses having 25 or less employees, it will be $10.50 for the employees.
Pot Smoking While Driving
- Marijuana will become legal to buy and use in the state starting January 1. Under SB 65 both drivers and passengers in vehicles must not smoke or consume marijuana in any way.
New Transportation Fee
- Under SB 1, a “transportation improvement fee” is being introduced in 2018, under which an extra amount will need to be paid during the vehicle registration process. The fee will range between $25 to $175, depending on the current market value of the vehicle.
Additional Harassment Training For Employers
- A new law under SB 396, requires employers having 50 or more employees to include additional training that addresses harassment based on “gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation.” This new training is in addition to the current two hours of sexual harassment training required every two years.
Guarantee Wages Payment
- Under a new rule, general contractors will now held liable for all wages that a sub contractor fails to pay. Sponsored by California Conference of Carpenters the AB 1701 will be applicable for all new projects starting January onwards.
Assemblymember Tony Thurmond said that the bill will promote the “use of responsible subcontractors” and help “ensure the economic vitality of the construction industry.”
Driving Under Influence
– AB 2687 comes into effect from July 1, which makes it unlawful for drivers driving with “a blood alcohol concentration of 0.04 percent or more” when a passenger for hire is present in the vehicle.
Relaxation In Parking Violations Laws
- A new rule is being introduced that amends a previous law that barred the renewal of vehicle registration or reissuance of driver license . The amendment creates a process to allow low-income Californians having outstanding parking violations to repay their fines and penalties via payment plans before it gets reported to DMV. It also allows the owners to file for “Planned Non-Operation status” in such situations, allowing them to obtain or renew a driver license.
Crackdown On Abuse Of Disabled Person Parking Placards
- A new law being introduced will crackdown on the misuse of disabled placard or license plates. According to the DMV, applicants must submit proof of their full name and their birthdate. There are also limits to the number of replacement placards that can be requested without medical certification. A renewal process has also been introduced.
Senator Jerry Hill, D-San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties who sponsored the bill said that “scofflaws and fraudsters” must be blocked “from gaming the DMV’s placard and license plate program” .
He said that the changes will help reduce fraud and abuse of the program.